On patrol: A park ranger scouts for possible poachers in a section of Kruger National Park. Photo: AFP

Illegal rhino killings have spiked from 13 in 2007 to 1004 last year, steadily increasing despite the deployment of soldiers in the vast nature reserve, which is roughly the size of Wales or Israel.

The animals' horns - which is the same material as finger nails - are coveted by Asian middle classes who use it as a status symbol.

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There are thought to be as few as 8400 white rhino left in Kruger Park.

Now some rhino will be moved from areas of high poaching activity inside the Kruger - such as the eastern boundary, which forms the border with Mozambique.

The alternative strongholds include other state-owned provincial parks, private parks and communal areas. Neighbouring countries are also being considered as hosts, according to the environmental ministry.